Protests in J&K after cop car kills 2

Srinagar: There have been violent protests in the Chanapora area in Srinagar after a speeding police vehicle crushed two people to death.

A father and son duo were travelling on a motorbike near Nowgam Bypass, Chanapora, when they were hit by a police vehicle. The father, Ali Mohammad

Bhat, died on the spot whereas the son, Imtiyaz Ahmad Bhat, who was rushed to the Bone and Joint Hospital, succumbed to his wounds.

Residents of neighbouring areas took to the streets to protest the incident and set the police vehicle ablaze. The public was agitated over the behaviour of the erring policemen who tried to flee the scene leaving the victims unattended.

People cornered police personnel from two sides and started pelting stones at the officials. They then blocked the road leading to Srinagar Airport and some other areas of the city.

The driver of the police car has already been arrested, as have some civilians who were in the forefront of the protest.

The police had to resort to firing tear gas in the air and lathi charge to control the mob.

However, when the mob refused to come under control, the police started firing in the air to disperse them.

Six policemen have been injured in the stone pelting and four civilians were injured when the police retaliated with tear gas.

The situation is still tense in the area, with the stalemate continuing.

(With inputs from Mufti Islah in Srinagar PTI)